This Side Of HeavenSample

Bear, Not Wear, Your Cross

Cross decorations are popular in our day and age. In most countries, you can find someone wearing a cross-decorated shirt or necklace. It is not hard to wear a cross, but it also does not mean much. Most people wouldn’t bat an eye when seeing something shaped like a cross. 

However, how would you feel if you saw Jesus carrying His Cross on the streets in same the way He carried His Cross in the streets of Jerusalem? That scene would probably be striking, memorable, and impactful. Your life would probably be shaken and radically changed.  So, when Jesus says: “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” (Matt 16:24), this implies that we should live in a profoundly radical way, sharply impacting those around us. 

The last two beatitudes (Matt 5:10-11) connote a similar meaning. Jesus was persecuted and hated by the world for being righteous and for testifying against evil (Jn 7:7; 15:18). In our normal logic, righteousness and testifying against evil should be praised, not persecuted. Hence, being “persecuted for righteousness’ sake” reveals the present conflict between God’s Kingdom, which is here on earth, and that of the world. 

Thus, the last beatitudes firmly speak of our identity as Kingdom citizens. One who is persecuted for righteousness’ sake has the Kingdom of Heaven, for that person knows who God is and which Kingdom truly matters. 

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for sending Your beloved Son Jesus to take our place on the Cross. Today I want to respond to Your call as a Kingdom citizen. I do not want to wear my cross, but to take it up as You took it to Calvary. Lord, I want to be Your witness. I pray that I will witness You as I take up my cross, that the world will see You whenever and wherever—for Yours is the Kingdom, power, and glory, forever and ever. Amen.